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City Manager Steve Schaub is looking into the possibility of having inmates from Thumb Corrections in Caro do work for Marlette.

Through the work program, crews of six inmates and one supervisor are dispatched from Thumb Corrections to cities for jobs that include mowing, painting, snow shoveling - whatever city officials want done. Cost to the city is $15 per inmate per day. Work crews would come once or twice a week for an 8-hour day.

"Fifteen bucks a day's pretty cheap labor," Schaub told City Council.

According to Schaub, Frankenmuth already uses the work program for downtown flower beds and mowing, and has no complaints about the work or the inmates.

Marlette's department of public works employees could also be trained to supervise the inmates, so crews could be split and sent to different sites.

"This is an unusual opportunity," Councilman Bill Kmet said of the work program.

The inmates would even work on rainy days. The medical liability for the workers would be taken care of by Thumb Corrections.

Use of the program may save the city money on mowing. Last year's mowing cost the city $27,000.

A motion was made by Kmet to allow Schaub to enter into a contract for the work program, but died without a second. Schaub will gather more information on the program and report back to council.

In other business:

*Council is considering revising the ordinance banning street parking between 2 and 6 a.m. Council is looking toward City Manager/Police Chief Schaub for guidance on the issue. He will report back to council.

*Council approved the fire works display for Country Fair Days.

*An alarm has been installed in the Marlette library to help protect against break-ins.

*Schaub advised council to reconsider forcing everyone involved in the new Marlette annexation to buy into it. This would eliminate the potential of "island" properties.

*Marlette's new police car has been decaled and should be in service soon.

*Resident Mike Lawson asked council about possible repairs to Church Street, as it has many large potholes. Lawson also offered his advice and possible discounts on asphalt, since he works in road construction.

*County Commissioner Jim Ruby wants non-profit organizations to know that kitchen inspections by the health department are state-required for events that feed the "public." Funerals, bridal and baby showers, potlucks, bake sales, and the like are considered to be "invitation-only" and do not require a license. However, if there is doubt about an event, the health department should be called at least 48 hours before the event. Most of Marlette's organizations are already covered by year-long licenses.